Photography for Business: A Brand Session with Happy Place Cookiery
One of my favorite things about doing photography for a business is how personal and collaborative it can be. Every session is different because every business has its own story to tell—and this one was extra sweet.
I had the joy of working with Jayde Marie Villeroel, the owner and head baker behind Happy Place Cookiery, a Staten Island-based cookie business that’s as delicious as it is beautifully branded. Jayde recently completed a rebrand, unveiling a fresh new logo and visual identity. She knew it was time for updated photos that aligned with this next chapter—and that’s where I came in.
What truly sets Jayde’s cookies apart is the care and craftsmanship she pours into every single batch. These aren’t just sugar cookies—they’re made with real vanilla bean, giving them a rich, aromatic flavor that’s noticeable from the very first bite. Each cookie is custom-designed and created by hand, featuring intricate patterns, bold colors, and playful details that show off Jayde’s artistic eye. As someone who’s tasted (and maybe devoured) a few myself, I can say with full confidence: they don’t just look amazing—they taste even better. The texture is always spot-on: perfectly dense, soft without being too cakey, and melt-in-your-mouth good.
Back to Business
We started the creative process by building a shared Pinterest board to collect ideas and visual inspiration. Jayde’s vision was playful, warm, and full of personality—just like her cookies. We used those pins as a springboard, but tailored the session to reflect her distinct style and the energy behind her brand.
One of the intentional touches we added was a soft pink backdrop, a nod to her brand colors, along with subtle hair lights to enhance the natural tones in her look. In several photos, you’ll notice hints of pink and orange in her hair, creating a visual echo of her branding throughout the gallery. These thoughtful details are part of what makes photography for small businesses so impactful—it’s not just about having nice photos, it’s about crafting images that feel true to you.
Jayde’s passion came through in every moment—from the way she ices her cookies to how she lights up when talking about her customers. She pours her heart into her work, and I wanted every photo to reflect that same level of care, creativity, and joy.
If you haven’t discovered Happy Place Cookiery yet, now’s the time to treat yourself! Check out her website here: Happy Place Cookiery.
This session reminded me why I love doing photography for businesses in Staten Island. Collaborating with local creatives like Jayde isn’t just fun—it’s meaningful. We’re helping each other grow, thrive, and step confidently into our next seasons.
If you’re a business owner looking to refresh your brand visuals or tell your story in a way that feels authentic, I’d love to help. Photography for business is more than just a photo shoot—it’s a celebration of who you are and what you’ve built.
Check out Happy Place Cookiery online so you can book cookies for your next event
